ICAR has developed two new genome-edited rice varieties – DRR Rice 100 (Kamla) and Pusa DST Rice 1 using genome-editing technology based on CRISPR-Cas9, which makes precise changes in the organism's genetic material without adding foreign DNA.

This World Migratory Bird Day, learn about some of the annual avian visitors to India. In keeping with the theme of 2025 --Creating Bird-Friendly Cities & Communities--let us work to make our ecosystems more welcoming. In recent years, many migratory bird species have given India a miss due to shrinking habitats and worsening pollution. Now is the time to act and make our neighbourhoods livable for our annual visitors and everyone.

Dr. Krishnaswamy Kasturirangan, one of the architects of the modern Indian space program and a stalwart of Indian science, passed away on 24 April 2025 at the age of 84.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid his tributes on X: "Two days ago, we lost the country’s great scientist, Dr. K. Kasturirangan ji. His contribution in lending newer heights to science, education, and India’s Space Program shall always be remembered. ISRO attained a new identity under his leadership."

For this International Mother Earth Day, let's remind ourselves - more than ever - that we need a shift to a more sustainable economy that works for both people and the planet. Let’s promote harmony with nature and the Earth. Join the global movement to restore our world! - United Nations

On April 7, Colossal Biosciences announced the creation of a "Dire Wolf" species in what they called the “world’s first de-extinction,". They claimed the move was aimed at addressing conservation efforts and plugging the gap of missing species in an ecosystem. 

GenomeIndia is an ambitious national initiative launched in January 2020, funded by India's Department of Biotechnology. The project aims to sequence 10,000 genomes from healthy individuals across the country. GenomeIndia's main objective is to compile a comprehensive catalogue of the genetic variations unique to India's diverse population. This initiative goes beyond merely decoding genes; it seeks to create a detailed reference of the genetic makeup to enhance our understanding of this diversity.

^{Photo by Greg Hume}

^{A crab bridge in Christmas Island, Australia, facilitates the safe passage for the migrating red crabs  (Photo credit; Wondrous World Images via parksaustralia.gov.au)}

In Christmas Island, Australia, signposts alerting passers of animal-crossing don’t suffice; traffic detours, public announcements, and permanent bridges are in need, as the island roads must make way for a sea of crabs to pass by! The spectacular annual event is a natural wonder.

It turns out the well-imprinted taste map — of the tongue divided into four specific zones for sweet, salt, sour, and bitter tastes — is all wrong. In the past few decades, scientists refuted the theory. They revealed that the concept of designated taste zones on the tongue is the outcome of misinterpretation of data leading to misrepresentation.